GEAR4 BlackBox micro uses your table to enrich bass notes

GEAR4's BlackBox Bluetooth speaker is splendid for those with ample room in their abode, but where will you turn for lavish sound when space is an issue? Bose? Pish posh. The newly introduced BlackBox micro (sadly) ditches Bluetooth in exchange for a sole 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port, but it does include an integrated SFX gel base in order to use any flat surface to "provide rich bass sounds." Beyond all that fanciful stuff, you'll find another traditional driver kicking out mids and highs, and there's even a USB port for powering it with whatever computer you've got nearby. Look for this one to sneak into stores this August for £20 ($40).

[Via Pocket-lint]

[John @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:33PM]

Not a bad idea. I wonder if it's powerful enough.

[natels @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:36PM]

Look awesome. I'd like to know how it sounds and I wish it were bluetooth.. Maybe the non-micro is bluetooth if there is one?

[schmitty338 @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:39PM]

I'm confused....this thing could either be tiny, like 1"x1"x1" or relatively large, like 1'x1'x1'.... :-S

They should have included something for size comparison in the shot.

[IT-Accountant @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:39PM]

watch someone try to get sound out of a concrete floor or something.

[ShadowKain @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:43PM]

I always hear promises from computer speaker and home theatre companies about little wonders that could. Thats exactly why I nabbed the Logitech 2.1 system choc full of 500 watts...

(see: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z-2300-THX-Certified-200-Watt-Speaker/dp/B0002SQ2P2)

So, it is yet to be seen how this little wonder will do. But if it does, It will be one woofer that I will tote to my parents cabin when I need to watch those movies I have.

Peace...

[zann243 @ Jul 2nd 2008 2:03PM]

Quality example of an almost-out-of-place comment bordering on astroturf.

[inteller @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:48PM]

The bluetooth comment got me to thinking....when are we going to see 5.1 systems that send (at least to the back) sound through bluetooth? I have a need for totally independent speakers because of an odd room size. The currnet Panasonic wireless backs still require both backs to plug into a central unit that gets the signal.

[IT-Accountant @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:59PM]

I'm pretty sure that the reason has to do with sound quality. Most people demand rather good sound out of their home theater, and bluetooth audio is not that great, especially over distances. There are several companies working on improving it though.

Of course, just because something would sound terrible doesn't mean someone isn't gonna try to make it and sell it...

I wonder how wireless usb would fare in the same role (wireless speakers)? Or even Wi-Fi (54Mb/s would be pretty decent sound)?

[Danakin @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:55PM]

decent...but without wireless it isn't the pick of the litter

[Jamus @ Jul 2nd 2008 2:03PM]

Damn, from the title at first I was hoping it was a consumer-priced tactile transducer in a tiny tiny package.

[Grant @ Jul 2nd 2008 3:07PM]

Bose is crap. Anyone who likes deep bass or clear high notes knows that.

[oluv @ Jul 3rd 2008 4:22AM]

crap? just listen to the bose sounddock portable, and then show me another speaker of similar size (or even bigger) that is able to produce such rich sound with equally deep bass.
of course it is not high end hifi sound. but it is the best portable speaker that i heard so far. if you find another, please let me know.

ps. that bose is way overpriced is another story...

[Evan @ Jul 2nd 2008 3:07PM]

First, no audiophile would turn to Bose for "lavish sound". Second, real surface audio drivers (e.g. FeONIC) require more power than a USB port can deliver, and must be permanently attached to the surface.

[Aldawg227 @ Jul 2nd 2008 3:37PM]

This will be great to put on my apartment wall, to get back at my neighbors when they are too loud

[Echo1 @ Jul 2nd 2008 3:37PM]

Now I must try and attach to my metal manufactured home and see the bass respone from Du Hast

[kingu @ Jul 2nd 2008 5:58PM]

Plug it to the inside of a bus window and go "on tour" around the city

[SPL @ Sep 11th 2008 8:05AM]

Just bought one, size to size sounds better than everything I have tried before. With only USB power I wonder if they will do a battery powered one?